Intel's new microcode update forbids benchmark comparisons

[exetras]

Quote

Intel Publishes Microcode Security Patches, No Benchmarking Or Comparison Allowed!

Intel is updating its loadable CPU microcode to handle various side-channel and timing attacks. There is a new license term applied to the new microcode:

You will not, and will not allow any third party to (i) use, copy, distribute, sell or offer to sell the Software or associated documentation; (ii) modify, adapt, enhance, disassemble, decompile, reverse engineer, change or create derivative works from the Software except and only to the extent as specifically required by mandatory applicable laws or any applicable third party license terms accompanying the Software; (iii) use or make the Software available for the use or benefit of third parties; or (iv) use the Software on Your products other than those that include the Intel hardware product(s), platform(s), or software identified in the Software; or (v) publish or provide any Software benchmark or comparison test results.

Intel released a Microcode Update, with it a new EULA. which has a mention that you are not allowed to publish benchmark. Its written pretty openly so that they could take down content they dont like.

 

Discus!

 

Edit1 Link:

https://perens.com/2018/08/22/new-intel-microcode-license-restriction-is-not-acceptable/

 

Edit2 Link:

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/08/21/intel_cpu_patch_licence/

 

Edit3, My Comments:

This is pure Poppycock! and it probably wouldn't stand in court. I feel intel's PR guy hasn't heard of the Streisand effect, as this will make everyone want to benchmark before and after the update.

[mynameisjuan]

Um....what.....

[NelizMastr]

They assured there wouldn't be any performance hits with these patches. This clause looks to me like they're hiding something. 

 

[goodtofufriday]

Not sure that stands up in court. Consumers have a right to compare products, and current products that recieve changes. 

[ravenshrike]

You'll want to add a link.

[ItsMitch]

3 minutes ago, exetras said:

) publish or provide any Software benchmark or comparison test results

How badly did the microcode update cripple the CPUs if they're this terrified to allow benchmarks? 

[exetras]

1 minute ago, ravenshrike said:

You'll want to add a link.

Oops, here it is

 

https://perens.com/2018/08/22/new-intel-microcode-license-restriction-is-not-acceptable/

 

[exetras]

2 minutes ago, NelizMastr said:

They assured there wouldn't be any performance hits with these patches. This clause looks to me like they're hiding something. 

 

Streisand Effect much?

[Hiitchy]

What is Intel hiding other than their dismay for AMD knocking them off their rocker? 

[TrigrH]

I hate how intel uses microcode to gimp everything.

[exetras]

Added link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/08/21/intel_cpu_patch_licence/

 

 

[lightningterror]

https://www.techpowerup.com/247028/intel-gags-customers-from-publishing-performance-impact-of-microcode-updates

[DataEmo]

And the first results

 

https://www.servethehome.com/intel-publishes-l1tf-and-foreshadow-performance-impacts/

 

 

[SolarNova]

LoL Intel can put what they like in their EULA, reviews will still produce benchmarks and there's nothing Intel can do about it.  Thay can try take down the videos and sites, they cant do bugger all to specifc thread posts, and tbh any site or reviewer worth anything can easily stop their content from being taken down by citing consumer rights.

[Thomas CG]

How is this going to help them.

 

Go after the benchmarks and expect all to go away and no one will bat an eye ?

[Emberstone]

I have a feeling Steve and his magnificent hair are going to be ranting soon.

[AlTech]

You know what? Fuck Intel. We'll find out the truth one way or another.

 

Consumers have rights. They have the right to know how a product such as a CPU performs. And they certainly don't take orders from Intel.

[Falconevo]

Smells of damage limitation from Intel, AMD are coming for the enterprise DC space and making big waves on their return entrance.  On the other hand Intel are having all their last 3-5 years of performance improvements stripped away with vulnerability mitigation.

 

This will only add fuel to the resurgence of AMD in the datacenter and competition is good for everyone.

[TetraSky]

When has a EULA ever stopped anyone.

[Shally]

This is very sketchy...

I bet AMD are very happy with how Nvidia and Intel are handling things lately.

[pas008]

Just now, KendoSapion said:

This is very sketchy...

I bet AMD are very happy with how Nvidia and Intel are handling things lately.

nvidia? what?

[pas008]

12 minutes ago, AluminiumTech said:

You know what? Fuck Intel. We'll find out the truth one way or another.

 

Consumers have rights. They have the right to know how a product such as a CPU performs. And they certainly don't take orders from Intel.

lol think they can get by consumer rights lol?

maybe they just weaken their single core some making them barely ahead from only clockspeed at the moment

[Shally]

1 minute ago, pas008 said:

nvidia? what?

If you haven't noticed there are a LOT of nvidia fans claiming to be jumping ship, it's mostly just overreaction to the press conference but people are still very sketched out with the new RTX cards

[mynameisjuan]

15 minutes ago, AluminiumTech said:

You know what? Fuck Intel. We'll find out the truth one way or another.

 

Consumers have rights.

You sound as if this is a life or death situation

[S w a t s o n]

Good thing EULA's are a joke and no court would allow this to go on